Blues Seek Answers at Home Against Sharks’ Fast Start
Sharks hold a West wild card while Blues try to halt a skid; Celebrini’s status and a Hofer–Nedeljkovic matchup loom.
Written before the game
The early story says this: San Jose has banked points, but it’s been messy under the hood, while St. Louis is searching for finish. The Sharks have allowed better looks than they’ve created — their chances for have averaged 2.42 expected goals per game, while against have been 3.89 — which hints the wins won’t hold without tightening up. The Blues aren’t spotless either (about even in chance quality at 3.03 for and 3.16 against), but they’ve carried more of the shot volume than San Jose so far, even if the goals haven’t followed.
If it’s Joel Hofer vs. Alex Nedeljkovic, goalie steadiness could decide it — Hofer has been the bright spot for St. Louis, while San Jose needs cleaner coverage in front of Nedeljkovic. Up front, watch Robert Thomas against the Sharks’ veteran wings Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Skinner; if Macklin Celebrini sits, more falls on Will Smith and Igor Chernyshov.
Standings angle: the Sharks sit 8th in the West; the Blues are 13th. Swing game vibes for an early-season ladder climb.
